A hearty thanks to Tom!

"It was one of the classiest things I have seen in my life. A pitched battle between two very good men ending on such a good note." 

I just got home from our BPOU convention. It was a long day, it was a good day. There were two main objectives in today's meeting. Voting for statewide delegates and endorse for the contested HD31B seat. It was a tough one. Two very good men running for the same seat. And after two ballots the contested candidate (Calvin Bahr) won by one vote. One vote! But one of the best part was yet to come.

After the second ballot, Cal did win by one vote. I was a teller and can attest to the vetting this count went through. After the nail biting finish, the results were read to the BPOU. Both Tom and Cal were invited up on stage. Cal first (as victor) was given the mic. And then for the next minute or so, Cal thanked Tom, and talked about what a great service he has been to the district, as well as the state. When the mic was handed to Tom, the audience erupted into a standing ovation. And it lasted for quite a while.

It was one of the classiest things I have seen in my life. A pitched battle between two very good men ending on such a good note. As what has happened many times in my later day political life, choosing between two very good people is a tough choice. Am I worried about Tom on what he will do in the future? Not a bit. Tom will soon find the next chapter in his life and do very well. 

Then, how will things work with Cal Bahr sitting in our 31B seat? All I have to say is this - Cal Bahr in not an iconoclast. That being said, people had better get used to answering some tough questions. Not trick questions, just Constitutional ones. And knowing Cal as I do, they better get used to having the right answer.

Tom once again, thank you from the citizens you have represented for so many years. Now take that boat out, rig your line with your presentation, and catch the one that might have gotten away when you were in session. At 64, you have run the good race, fought the good fight.  Now enjoy the fruits of your labor. You have deserved it my friend - go enjoy.